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A new reputation is brewing. A unique mix of game-changing, commercial space-exploration companies and legacy powerhouses is reinventing the one-of-a-kind flavor known as Florida’s Space Coast.
Set against the backdrop of near-weekly rocket launches, legendary beaches and eclectic downtowns, a question vexes the minds of a new generation of Space Coast locals:
What beer goes best with rocket launches?
Thanks to exhaustive, highly (un)scientific research, and a flourishing local craft-beer scene, the Live Big Guide to SpaceCraft Beer Pairings has unraveled this Gordian knot for you to enjoy.
With our second edition, we’ve added some new brews, new spacecraft and relived some of the Space Coast’s greatest moments. So crack it open, and enjoy.
Did you try a Live Big beer pairing? Find a better one? Hashtag it with #LaunchesAndLagers and tag us on
Charlie and Jakes Brewery Grille is currently closed for remodeling, opening date TBD. No sticker is needed from this location to complete the Space Coast Beer Trail Passport to collect your Mission Patch.
Carib Brewery
BeachFly Brewing Company
Playalinda Brewing Company – Hardware Store
Playalinda Brewing Company – Brix Project
Intracoastal Brewing Company
Hell ‘n Blazes Brewing Company
Bugnutty Brewing Company
Dirty Oar Beer Company
Charlie & Jakes Brewery Grille
Oceanside Distillery
Lockheed Martin Orion
- Diameter: 16 ft 6 in
- Launch Payload Mass: 22,900 lbs
- Crew Capacity: 6
Playalinda Brewing Company Robonaut® Red Ale
- Style: American Amber / Red Ale
- ABV: 5.2%
Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor building NASA’s Orion, the only spacecraft designed for long-duration, human deep space exploration. Orion is the centerpiece of the agency’s Artemis program to build a sustainable presence on the lunar surface and to prepare for the mission to Mars. With sights on the red planet, the Orion’s perfect pairing is the Robonaut® Red Ale from Playalinda Brewing Company. Not only is it the right shade, but this craft beer is named after NASA’s own robotic astronaut.
Space Coast History of Orion
The Orion is assembled and launched on Florida’s Space Coast. In February 2006 the EDC of Florida’s Space Coast announced Lockheed Martin’s plans to locate final assembly and checkout operations of NASA’s crew exploration vehicle (CEV) at Kennedy Space Center. It marked the first time the Space Coast would provide assembly and checkout services for a major human space launch program. On January 14, 2021 Lockheed Martin completed assembly and testing of the Orion Artemis I spacecraft and transferred possession to NASA for final preparations for its mission to the Moon.
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NASA’s Space Launch System Artemis I (SLS)
- Height: 322 ft
- Weight: 5.75M lbs
- Thrust: 8.8M lbs
BeachFly Brewing Company Space Kölsch
- Style: Kölsch
- ABV: 5%
- IBU: 23
NASA’s Space Launch System arrived on the Space Coast scene in April 2021. The most powerful rocket ever built by the agency, the SLS will enable astronauts to explore destinations far into the solar system. The SLS will be the newer kid on the block, just like BeachFly Brewing Company with their new location in Rockledge on the Space Coast. Their light and crisp Space Kölsch is the perfect pairing for this exciting stage of space history.
Space Coast History of NASA
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) roots on the Space Coast range back as far as many can remember. KSC first began making its mark in the early 1960s as designers began developing plans for Launch Complex 39 facilities which include the Launch Control Center, Pads A & B as well as the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Planned for 2021, Artemis I will launch an uncrewed flight of the Orion spacecraft to an orbit 40,000 miles beyond the Moon, or 280,000 miles from Earth to demonstrate the integrated system performance of SLS, Orion, and Exploration Ground Systems prior to a crewed flight.
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Boeing CST-100 Starliner
- Diameter: 15 ft 16.5 in
- Launch Payload Mass: 29,000 lbs
- Crew Capacity: 7
Playalinda Brewing Company Starliner Simcoe Lager
- Style: Pale Lager
- ABV: 4.5%
This one says Space Coast local like no other. Boeing’s Starliner became the first made-in-Brevard spacecraft to be built on Florida’s Space Coast, reigniting the pride that was dimmed after the retirement of the Space Shuttle program in 2011. How could this spacecraft be paired with anything other than Playalinda Brewing Company’s Starliner Simcoe Lager? Featuring a strong malt backbone, this astronomical beer is a single-hopped lager, which brings out subtle pine and tropical fruit aromas. Plus, with Playalinda’s two prime launch-viewing locations in Titusville, this launch-day combo is perfect for watching history be made time after time.
Space Coast History of The Boeing Company
In October of 2011, the EDC of Florida’s Space Coast announced that The Boeing Company’s CST-100 commercial crew capsule would be developed and manufactured at Kennedy Space Center, becoming the first spacecraft to be manufactured and developed on the Space Coast. The CST-100 would later be named Starliner, a commercial crew vehicle to carry humans back to space from American soil. Boeing’s impact on the Space Coast continues to flourish – in 2019 the company announced its Space and Launch headquarters would relocate to Titusville, Florida.
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United Launch Alliance Atlas V
- Height: 200 ft
- Mass at Liftoff: 1.3 M lbs
- Lift Capability to LEO: 41,750 lbs
Carib Brewery Giant Leap Kölsch Ale
- Style: Kölsch
- ABV: 4.7%
- IBU: 20
The Atlas rocket family has lit up Space Coast skies since 1957. With a flawless launch record, the Atlas V could only be paired with a beer that celebrates one of the Space Coast’s most historic moments. Carib Brewery’s Giant Leap Kölsch Ale marks the 50th Anniversary of the iconic Moon Landing, and has taken its inspiration from the first drink the Astronaut’s enjoyed on the Luna surface with additions of natural pineapple and grapefruit. This pairing is a classic combo that just screams Space Coast.
Space Coast History of the Atlas V
The Atlas V is a true Space Coast staple. More than 15 years of 100% mission success made Atlas V the choice to carry Boeing’s Starliner capsule and its astronauts to the ISS. ULA’s primary launch operation here on the Space Coast was a major factor in the 2011 announcement by the EDC of Florida’s Space Coast that Boeing would build its Starliner at Kennedy Space Center, the first spacecraft to be built in Florida.
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SpaceX Falcon 9
- Height: 229.6 ft
- Mass: 1,207,920 lbs
- Payload to LEO: 50,265 lbs
Hell ‘n Blazes Causeway IPA
- Style: American IPA
- ABV: 7.4%
- IBU: 65
SpaceX Falcon Heavy
- Height: 229.6 ft
- Mass: 3,125,735 lbs
- Payload to LEO: 140,660 lbs
Bugnutty Brewing Company Tripel Dog Dare You
- Style: Belgian Tripel
- ABV: 9.6%
- IBU: 24
The SpaceX Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy are a dynamic duo with the Heavy bringing the Falcon 9 rocket to the astonishing next level from landing one booster to three. The Falcon family has become a mainstay on the Space Coast, especially the Falcon 9 which performs near monthly launches from the beaches of Cape Canaveral. Another mainstay on Florida’s Space Coast are the major causeways connecting 72 miles of beaches and islands to mainland. So what better beer to pair with the Falcon 9 than the Causeway IPA from Hell ‘n Blazes Brewing Co., a delicious deep-golden unfiltered IPA.
Like the Falcon Heavy, Bugnutty Brewing Company’s Tripel Dog Dare You kicks it up a notch with delicious, sometimes mild heat without compromising the smooth booster-landing finish. The brewery’s owner, a former NASA engineer, found the right equation for a perfect formula; almost as perfect as two boosters landing at once, making these two Space Coast locals a perfect pair.
Space Coast History of SpaceX Falcon Heavy & Falcon 9
As early as 2005, leaders from the Space Coast traveled to California to meet with the leaders of SpaceX, including Elon Musk, about the benefits of conducting assembly, checkout, and launch operations on Florida’s Space Coast. Fast forward nearly two decades later and SpaceX launches light up the sky on the regular from Cape Canaveral.
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SpaceX Crew Dragon
- Diameter: 13ft
- Height: 26.7ft
- Launch Payload Mass: 13,228 lbs
- Crew Capacity: 7
Intracoastal Brewing Company Dragon Point IPA
- Style: American IPA
- ABV: 6.5%
- IBU: 75
SpaceX Crew Dragon officially marked its place in history on May 30, 2020 when for the first time after 3,249 days, 3 hours, 53 minutes and 41 seconds American Astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley flew to the International Space Station from American soil after the retirement of the Space Shuttle. This history-making spacecraft can only be paired with West-Coast style Dragon Point IPA from Intracoastal Brewing Company. A Space Coast favorite (you’ll find it everywhere) Dragon Point is THE beer to drink while watching history being made, time and time again.
Space Coast History of SpaceX Dragon
SpaceX Crew Dragon is taking its place in the Pantheon of American-made rides to space as it continues to make history from Florida’s Space Coast. With two successful crewed launches in 2020, and two more planned in 2021, American space flight is officially back on the Space Coast.
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Blue Origin New Glenn
- Diameter: 23 ft
- Height: 270 ft
- Launch Payload Mass: 99,000 lbs to low-earth orbit
Carib Brewery Swamp Ape Double IPA
- Style: IPA – Imperial / Double
- ABV: 10%
- IBU: 85
Seven reusable BE-4 LNG/LOX engines thrust Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket- the largest rocket since the Saturn V. With two times the payload volume of any existing launch vehicle, this is one BIG spacecraft. Something so big called for a pairing of adequate proportions. Bring in the Swamp Ape Double IPA from Cape Canaveral’s Carib Brewery coming in at a whopping 10% ABV. The intense hop bitterness balanced by moderate fruity esters and a medium malt character offers big taste for a BIG rocket.
Space Coast History of Blue Origin
In 2015, the EDC of Florida’s Space Coast announced that Blue Origin, LLC would design, manufacture, and launch from Exploration Park at Kennedy Space Center. This marked the first time all aspects of commercial spacecraft development and launch would be completed within the Space Coast. Since the announcement, Blue Origin has built over 1 million square feet of manufacturing, test, and launch facilities only 9 miles from the launch pad. The complex is also home to their launch and mission control centers.
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Vaya Space Dauntless
- Height: 35M
- Payload Capacity:
- 610 KG SSO, 500 KM
- 1000 KG LEO, 200 KM
Dirty Oar Hey Buddy Golden Ale
- Style: Golden Ale
- ABV: 5.1%
- IBU: 11
Space Coast local, Vaya Space, is launching to new heights with a technology to place SmallSats into orbit sooner. Vaya Space keeps its headquarters in the heart of Cocoa Village, only steps away from the Dirty Oar Beer Company with their wide selection of crafted beers on their taproom menu, a taproom which immediately welcomes you with a friendly atmosphere. This local duo is a perfect pairing for Dirty Oar’s Hey Buddy, a yellow, fizzy beverage perfect for those sunny Florida days backdropped by historic launches.
Space Coast History of Vaya Space
Led by Commander of STS-59, and the first Hispanic of any nation to command any space mission, Sid Gutierrez, Vaya Space will revolutionize access to space to make it available to the rapidly growing small satellite market by developing Dauntless, the world’s first mass-producible, ‘launch-on-demand’ small satellite launcher from their headquarters in Cocoa, Florida.
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Astra Rocket 3
- Height: 38 ft
- Payload Capacity: 55-331 lb
- Thrust: 6,240 lbf total
Charlie & Jakes Brewery Grille Wickham Wheat Ale
- Style: American Wheat Ale
- ABV: 5.2%
Astra’s Rocket 3 small satellite launch vehicle makes space more accessible, offering the lowest cost-per-launch orbital service in the world. This small but mighty rocket pairs perfectly with Charlie & Jakes Wickham Wheat Ale. A long-time local favorite, Wickham Wheat Ale with its yellow-gold body offering hints of Cascade and Fuggle hops is light and refreshing, just as the Rocket 3, one of the lightest launch vehicles in the nation.
Space Coast History of Astra
Astra’s mission is to Improve Life on Earth from Space™ by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Astra offers the lowest cost-per-launch dedicated orbital launch service of any operational launch provider in the world. In 2021 the EDC of Florida’s Space Coast shared the news that Astra would begin operating out of Cape Canaveral, Florida, launching its Rocket 3 vehicle. Astra and Space Launch Delta 45, a part of the United States Space Force, enabled Astra to launch out of Cape Canaveral in record time – shortening the multi-year approval time to months.
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L3Harris Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3)
- Mass: 1250 KG
- Power: Solar array, batteries
- Orbit: Geostationary
Oceanside Distillery Ocean Club Coastal Citrus Gin
- Style: Gin
- ABV: 43%
- PROOF: 86
Florida’s Space Coast is home to the global headquarters of L3Harris, as well as more than 100,000 square feet for development, manufacturing and testing of satellites. The company is increasing its production capability to develop and test the experimental Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3) for the U.S. Air Force. Another Space Coast original is Oceanside Distillery, which too excels at experimentation. Its bold and smooth Ocean Club Coastal Citrus Gin pairs perfectly with NTS-3, thanks to its bright balance of junipers, aromas of Florida orange, lemon and grapefruit.
Space Coast History of L3Harris
With Space Coast roots going back to 1950 and the beginning of the space race, L3Harris employs more than 8,000 locally who are animated by the pioneering spirit. For 20 years, every U.S. Mars rover and orbiting spacecraft mission have used L3Harris transceivers to communicate with earth and recently L3Harris was selected by NASA to provide vital equipment for the Mars Sample Return program.
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Airbus OneWeb Satellites Constellation
- Launch mass: 150 KG each
- Equipment: Ku-band antennas
- Orbit: Polar low Earth orbit
Oceanside Distillery 28 Degrees North Premium Vodka
- Style: Vodka
- ABV: 40%
- PROOF: 80
Located just outside of the gates of Kennedy Space Center, Airbus OneWeb Satellites is a joint venture with a mission to connect the unconnected through a constellation of 648 Low Earth Orbit satellites. To date, 428 of their satellites manufactured on the Space Coast are in orbit. Also crafted in the heart of the Space Coast Florida, Cape Canaveral, Oceanside Distillery’s classic Vodka is made from Florida Fresh Corn and distilled in small flavorful batches, just like OneWeb’s satellites!
Space Coast History of Airbus OneWeb Satellites
Opened in July 2019 and achieving a production rate of up to two satellites a day, Airbus OneWeb Satellites’ facility in Merritt Island is 142,000 sq-ft and features one of the most advanced production lines in the industry. A paperless factory, it uses digital twin technology, auto-transfer vehicles, geo-localization and smart tools with inspection cameras for end-to-end quality.
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